Some law schools have begun incorporating AI training into their curricula and nearly all are considering it for the near future, according to a new survey by the American Bar Association.
“The changes being considered by law schools are broad and multifaceted, reflecting the complex ways in which AI is affecting legal education,” the report said.
The ABA conducted the survey from late December to early February 2024. It reached out to 200 law schools and received 29 replies. Of those more than half (55%) said they offer AI classes. A solid majority (83%) provide opportunities for students to use AI including clinics and labs such as the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab, and nearly all are considering changing their curriculum to add AI-focused courses in light of the profession’s increasing use of the tool.
“From reassessing student evaluation methods to introducing new tools and ethical considerations, law schools are grappling with a wide range of adaptations to prepare students for an AI-influenced legal profession,” it said.
The report, announced Monday, comes as law firms struggle to incorporate artificial intelligence in practice, without breaching long-standing ethics standards or compromising work quality. Some Big Law firms including K&L Gates and Dechert have started training their summer associates on using generative AI.
Examples of classes offered by law schools are “AI & Innovation Policy” and “Cyberlaw and Practice.”
The report was created by the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence.
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